Ken, the author notes that: Such laws would encourage motorists to take extra care when driving alongside vulnerable road users. However, the law alone is not sufficient. Better cycling infrastructure, reduced speed limits in residential areas, and improved education for drivers and cyclists are all needed to keep our roads safe for everyone.

I believe that too much SIDSY, and strict liability is one method to encourage drivers to look for cyclists.

Agree, but I can't help thinking that it is some way down the list on priorities where proper infrastructure is item 1,2 and 3. And although it also has to be done it is taking focus away from the most critical topic and task at hand - building segregated/buffered/raised bike paths on the inside or parked cars (if relevant) on all major arterial roads within 10 km radius of CBD. Once that is done the rest will follow (legislation, training, driver mindset etc.). Easy peasy

It will take years to get Australian drivers, authorities and politicians to accept financing and making space for excellent cycling infrastructure. The latter could include removing carparking and car lanes on urban arterial roads. In theory it is quick to enact strict liability legislation. A measure while advocating for better infrastructure, legislation, licensing, etc. Drivers complain about bike-lane-parking-fines, while road-safety-fines are higher than parking-fines. This hip-pocket-education tends to work on the average driver, and his friends who hear his grumbling. So I believe that insurance-financial-hassles or threat of it, will educate the average driver to reduce some SIDSY and lazy driving. Strict liability could also help on quiet residential streets where bicycle lanes will not be installed.

My grumble. Today on a residential street and bikedirect route, I claimed the lane as I approached a one-lane-width LATM. A speeding vehicle tried to overtake me on the wrong side of the road, leaving only millimetres overtaking distance rather than one metre minimum. I screamed as the vehicle partially overtook, the driver thought better of side-swiping me, and he eased off as I entered the LATM first. After the LATM, the driver verbally cursed me, as I responded with ‘leave a metre’. Not the average driver who would consider strict liability, but some consolation for the injured cyclist if easier to sort out insurance and compensation.